Dracula's daughter, Countess Marya Zaleska (Gloria Holden), with the aid of her manservant, Sandor (Irving Pichel), steals Dracula's body from Scotland Yard and ritualistically burns it, hoping to break her curse of vampirism. However, Sandor soon makes her realize that her thirst for blood has not been quenched and that all that is in her eyes is death.
Some elements of the plot are from Bram Stoker's story "Dracula's Guest" which was written as a chapter in his 1897 novel "Dracula," but excised due to the novel's length. It was first published in 1914, two years after Stoker's death. Other elements are loosely based on the 1872 short story "Carmilla" by Sheridan Le Fanu.
Unfortunately it no longer is the story written by R. C. Sheriff under the direction of James Whale. That script, according to the censors, consisted of "a very objectionable mixture of sex and horror", and the two men were soon off the project.
I am so glad that Edward van Sloan returns as VanHelsing. Obviously, Dracula could not return without some interesting explanation, but you cannot have a sequel without at least one returning character. (Well, I guess you could. It has been done. But you should not!)
Mike Mayo says the film "is at best half successful", and Howard Maxford says it is "half hearted" while praising the "lesbian overtones". Indeed, it has not had the success of "Dracula" or even other horror sequels (such as "Bride of Frankenstein"). The casual horror fan probably does not know the film exists and will likely never see it. It is largely forgettable, with some good acting from Nan Grey and Marguerite Churchill, two actresses who disappeared in the 1940s.
Do I recommend you see it? In short, it is not necessary, but completists should be sure to catch it. It is an instant play on Netflix, so set aside a free hour and check this one off your list.
